UH Hilo Bookstore celebrates its grand opening on January 30

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Bookstore celebrates its grand opening with a ceremony on Wednesday, January 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The festivities will begin with a Hawaiian blessing by Kekoa Harman of Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language.

Throughout the event, there will be live entertainment by Lito Arkangel, light pupus, free giveaways and prize drawings. Logo apparel and spirit items will be 20 percent off all day, and student-created Kulanui products will be buy two, get one free.

The event is open to students, faculty, staff and the public.

Construction on the $4 million, 6,500 square-foot store began in March 2011, and was completed in November 2012.

“We had been planning a renovation at Hilo for more than five years to better serve the campus,” said Tricia Ejima, branch stores manager. “Hilo is one of our biggest campuses, and our old Bookstore was not easily accessible. Providing a better location, a bigger space for more resources, and a focal point for visitors and students were all factors in the decision to build a new store.”

The new location in UH Hilo’s Campus Center offers textbooks, school and art supplies, sundries, logo apparel and accessories, computers, software and electronics. In addition to more space, it also boasts a lounge area, free Wi-Fi, and a large demo space for trying out computers and gadgets.

“We’re very proud and excited to offer a more convenient location for our students and community,” said Jason Tanaka, Hilo Bookstore manager. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from students, faculty and staff, and we look forward to our Grand Opening celebration.”